Triple Threat

by AK Leigh

  Carrie said, ‘Which is when she drowned.’

  ‘Precisely.’

  ‘So it’s going to be a manslaughter charge. Pity.’

  ‘Yep. Amongst other things.’

  ‘What about the dress with no bra or underwear?’

  ‘Part of whatever fantasy they happened to be playing out, I assume?’

  Nina nodded, ‘I think you’re right.’

  ‘But that doesn’t explain why Baronie put a hit out on you.’

  Lizzie shook her head, ‘He didn’t. At least I don’t think so, I—’

  Carrie finished the sentence, ‘You think it was this mystery man.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘He wanted us to think Baronie had killed Maryann.’

  ‘Yes.’

  Nina asked the obvious question. ‘What possible motive could he have for doing that?’

  ‘One of the top five motives for a crime, of course: emotional.’ When her sisters offered her blank stares in response, Lizzie said, ‘Specifically, revenge.’

  ‘Have you had a chance to finish the profile?’

  ‘No. I think it’ll be quicker to question the husband.’

  ‘You think he knows who Maryann was having an affair with?’

  ‘I’d bet a billion dollars on it.’

  Nina rose, ‘Let’s do it. Find out what he’s hiding.’

  ‘What, right now?’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘He won’t be happy. How many hours was he at the station last night?’

  Nina wrinkled her nose, ‘Do I look like I care if this is inconvenient for him? His wife is dead and you were almost killed. We get the answers today. We stop this today. Are you in or not?’

  Lizzie and Carrie stood up together and said, ‘We’re in.’

  Chapter 40

  Don Silkstone

  The memories of that day flushed through his brain like a whirlwind of torture. He hadn’t meant to kill her. At first, it had been part of their usual ‘act’. He’d tied her up the way she liked. The way he liked: the control, the power, her total submission to him. Everything had gone to plan as usual. They’d both orgasmed. He’d been cradling her afterward, telling her how much he loved her and needed her, when she’d dropped the bombshell.

  She was going back.

  After six months of telling him how much she loved him and wanted to be with him; after everything she’d told him about her husband. The way he ignored her, played around on her, lied. He’d given her everything and it still hadn’t been enough. All because she hadn’t wanted to lose her social reputation and status. Or her money.

  They’d fought.

  The rage, the fear of losing her, had consumed him.

  He’d punched her beautiful face.

  He could still hear the crack of her forehead as it hit the metal rail of his bedhead. He could still see the single trail of blood running from her nose, where his fist had connected. And the one that ran down the back of the neck he’d feathered intimate kisses on moments before.

  He’d cradled her again. This time he’d cried. He’d lost her, but it had been Clay that had killed her. Not him. If it hadn’t been for that sack of scum, she would have been his. Clay would not get away with murdering the love of his life; he would not get away with how he’d treated her; he would pay for his crimes. The lawyer he’d hired would sort this out. Clay would still go down for this.

  Under his breath, he whimpered, ‘It’s okay, Maryann. He will pay. I promise.’

  Chapter 41

  ‘So you knew about the affair?’

  ‘Yes.’

  She knew he’d been hiding something the first time they’d spoken.

  ‘Why didn’t you say anything to us when we spoke to you last time?’

  ‘Because I was basically threatened.’

  She thought for a minute. ‘By Senator Silkstone?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘How did he threaten you?’

  ‘He told me he would ruin me if his name was involved in any way. He didn’t want the scandal.’

  ‘You didn’t think that was suspicious?’

  ‘Why would I? He made it sound so reasonable and he had an alibi ... so he told me anyway.’

  ‘What was his alibi?’

  ‘Meeting in Canberra with other senators.’

  ‘Did you check with the other senators?’

  ‘No. I didn’t think he would lie.’

  Because someone who had an affair with a married woman proved they were trustworthy? She bit down on her lip to stop herself from saying as much out loud. Geez. Didn’t the man care about his freedom at all?

  ‘We need to find him right away.’

  As soon as they were in the car, Nina picked up the police radio and put out a call to bring in the senator.

  Chapter 42

  Don Silkstone

  Don was in the middle of his orgasm when the hotel room’s phone rang. He finished and kept himself inside the bound prostitute who’d been masquerading as Maryann as he reached over and answered. ‘This had better be important. I had a do-not-disturb notice in place.’

  He recognised the voice of the concierge when he spoke, ‘I apologise, senator, but I thought you would like to know that the police are on their way up to your room.’

  Don pulled out of the woman and sat bolt upright, ‘Why are they here?’

  ‘I don’t know, sir, but I think you should ... be alone when they get there.’

  He hung up without bothering to thank the man.

  He yanked at the ties on the faux Maryann.

  She yelped, ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘The police are here. You need to leave.’

  ‘Oh, crap.’

  She helped him with the binds until, together, they managed to free her. He gathered up her clothes and shoes and threw them at her. She barely caught all of the items before he shoved her toward the door.

  ‘Hey, I need to get dressed.’

  ‘You can do that outside.’

  ‘In the hall!’

  He opened the door and shoved her out, ‘I don’t care where you do it as long as it’s not in here.’

  He closed the door in her face, ignoring the curse words he could hear her aiming at him from the other side. He needed to focus. The cops were on their way up. Why? Was this about the hooker ... or Maryann? What should he do? Call his lawyer?

  He went for his mobile just as there was a knock at the door, followed by, ‘Police. Open up. We know you’re in there, Mr Silkstone.’

  Mr? Didn’t they know who he was?

  He frowned as he pulled on his crumpled clothes from the floor. ‘Just a minute.’

  ‘Now. Or we break down the door.’

  He tugged on his pants and shirt and fumbled toward the door, with the shirt still unbuttoned. Opening the door, he smiled in the most sincere way he could and said, ‘How may I help you, officers?’

  Chapter 43

  It felt so satisfying to hear the handcuffs click around the wrists of the real murderer. Lizzie stood to the side, observing in silence, as Nina barked, ‘Senator Donald Silkstone, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Elizabeth Farris, the murder of Maryann Baronie, and obstruction of justice.’

  When Nina directed the man away from the bed, Lizzie’s attention was snagged by the black ties knotted against the bedposts. She raised an eyebrow. Evidence of domination? The other eyebrow lifted when she noted a black whip on the bedside table.

  She nudged Carrie in the rib and nodded toward them. ‘Hey, look.’

  Her little sister whispered back, ‘Holy crap. You were right! How did you figure out the BDSM thing?’

  Lizzie baulked. Despite the fantasy that men’s magazines sometimes promoted, she and her sisters did not discuss in lewd detail the specific sexual acts they’d carried out with partners. She was not about to tell either of them she had come to this conclusion because she’d been thinking about the first time she and Gabe had made love. Specifically, when he’d placed
his hand to her throat and she’d thought he was into domination.

  Instead, she masked her expression and replied, ‘I don’t know? The control aspect of it, I guess?’

  Carrie gave her a look that showed she wasn’t convinced, but let it go.

  Lizzie took the opportunity to turn back to the scene in front of her. Don Silkstone avoided eye contact with her as he was marched past her.

  Alone in the hotel room, police officers began to inspect the room.

  Carrie said, ‘We should probably get out of here.’

  Lizzie was about to agree when a female officer spoke up, ‘Senior Constable Farris, we’ve just confirmed a rental vehicle. It’s downstairs in the hotel’s garage.’

  ‘Oh. What is it?’

  ‘A black Mercedes … rego 798 MBK.’

  The three of them exchanged a knowing look.

  Nina blurted, ‘The car that followed us that day we went to Port Douglas.’

  Lizzie said, ‘Oh, that is so creepy.’

  ‘Has he been watching us this whole time?’

  ‘Ah …’ The sound of another office’s voice made them all turn around. The man frowned as he held up a manila folder. Inside, they could see numerous slips of paper, notes, and newspaper clippings. He shook his head, and said, ‘He hasn’t been watching all of you … just Elizabeth.’

  ‘Oh for goodness sake. What the hell is it about me lately? I’m attracting all the psychos and weirdos.’

  First Gabe, now this.

  At the same time, Nina and Carrie put an arm around her back.

  Carrie offered, ‘At least they have him now.’

  ‘And stalking is another charge we can add.’

  Lizzie threw Nina a look. ‘That’s not making me feel better.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘Let’s get out of here. You can stay at my place tonight.’ Nina glanced at Carrie. ‘Both of you.’

  It was one of those big sister orders. One Lizzie was more than happy to obey.

  Chapter 44

  The following morning, Gabe switched the television to the news. An image of the Farris sisters flashed onto the screen. He increased the volume in time to hear the reporter say, ‘A press conference will be held at two o’clock. The Farris triplets will be open for questions relating to the case at that time.’

  Two o’clock. Gabe checked his watch. Less than an hour away. Enough time to shower and shave—the first time since they’d broken up—and get dressed into something clean. Then he could go and talk to her in person. He hadn’t been able to work up the courage to talk to her by phone. Perhaps this was the reason why? He had to do it in person. The way he’d planned to at the beginning.

  ***

  As the press conference came to a close, Lizzie spotted Gabe in the crowd.

  Nina nudged her and whispered, ‘I didn’t want to tell you before, but the information on Gabe came in this morning.’

  ‘Really? What did it say?’

  ‘I think it’s best if he tells you.’

  ‘At least tell me if he’s an alien.’

  ‘He’s not. Go talk to him.’

  ‘Yeah. Go on, Lizzie.’

  Sheesh. If Carrie was encouraging her, she knew it was serious. But he had betrayed her. He’d lied to her. How could she believe him ever again? She opened her mouth to say that to her sisters.

  Carrie spoke before she could, ‘Look, Nina showed me the information she has and I kind of see where he was coming from, not that it was okay for him to lie to you, but I can understand why he didn’t tell you everything straight away.’

  Nina nodded her agreement.

  ‘How do I know he won’t lie to me again?’

  ‘You don’t.’

  ‘Well, that’s helpful.’

  Nina smiled, ‘Lizzie, it’s obvious how much you feel for him.’

  ‘You’re in love.’

  Her mind bucked against the words Carrie said, but she felt her heart acknowledge the truth.

  She nodded, ‘I know.’

  ‘And he’s gaga over you too.’

  Lizzie couldn’t deny it. ‘Yeah. He is.’

  ‘Then off you go.’

  Lizzie frowned, ‘I thought you said weren’t going to interfere again?’

  Carrie snorted, ‘Yeah, you knew that was never going to happen.’

  Lizzie threw her an unimpressed look.

  Nina said, ‘At least talk to him. Get the full story then make a decision about whether you keep him in your life or not.’

  Carrie added, ‘Yeah. And if he stuffs up again, you come straight to us, and we’ll break his legs for you.’

  Lizzie laughed.

  Nina whispered, ‘He’s coming.’

  Lizzie flicked her head around so fast she thought she would give not only herself, but everyone nearby, whiplash.

  Those eyes bore into hers. ‘Can we talk?’

  Nina excused herself. ‘I’ve got to wrap up all this stuff anyway.’

  Carrie said, ‘I’m busy too. We can chat later.’

  Lizzie gave her sister a hug then it was just her and Gabriel Montcoeur. She braved a peek at him.

  He licked his bottom lip, ‘Elizabeth.’ Oh God, there’s those butterflies again. ‘I know I screwed up. Big time.’

  ‘Yes. You did.’

  ‘Is there any way you can give me some time to explain?’

  ‘Why do you want to?’

  He lowered his gaze and mumbled, ‘You know why.’

  ‘Because you love me?’

  ‘Yes, Elizabeth.’

  ‘But—’

  He stepped closer, ‘I know. I know every excuse you are going to say. I have tried to tell myself all of them as well, believe me. I don’t understand it myself, but I know it’s true. I love you.’ He paused, and catching her gaze, added, ‘And I know you feel the same.’

  She looked away. Her mind was fighting, telling her to run. But her heart was pulling her toward this man, confirming that she loved him, and shouting for her to give him a second chance. ‘Gabe …’

  He touched her lightly on the arm, ‘Please, let’s go for a walk. We’ll find somewhere quiet to sit and I’ll tell you everything … and, if you decide you don’t want to be with me at the end of the conversation, I’ll accept that.’

  She felt her heart relent, and was about to tell him she agreed when a sudden commotion drew her attention to her left.

  There stood Clay Baronie. The media had swarmed him. They were firing questions and taking pictures.

  Gabe raised his voice, ‘Let’s go over here.’

  She followed him to a spot away from the clamour of reporters.

  ‘You were saying?’

  She made eye contact with him. The butterflies fluttered all the way up to her heart. She nodded, ‘Okay. Let’s get out of here. I just need to tell my sisters what’s going on.’

  He gave her an understanding smile, ‘Sure.’

  Before she could open her mouth, Carrie blurted, ‘Did he tell you?’

  ‘Not yet.’

  ‘And I’m guessing from the look on your face you’re not happy.’

  Lizzie turned to Nina and shrugged, ‘I’m not sure yet. We’re going for a walk to talk about things.’

  ‘I think that’s a good idea.’

  Carrie agreed, ‘Me too.’

  ‘And remember to hear him out properly.’

  ‘I will.’

  After giving each of them a hug, Lizzie was back at Gabe’s side. He held out his hand. The most dazzling smile she’d ever seen from him filled his face, making his eyes gleam brighter, ‘Ready?’

  She nodded, and didn’t take his hand. She wasn’t sure she was ready for him to touch her just yet. The feel of his warm skin against hers would elicit memories. Distracting memories.

  The brightness in his eyes dulled as he pulled his hand away, but he made no comment on it.

  They walked in silence toward a nearby park.

  Gabe stopped and gestured with his hand toward a green, woo
den bench, ‘Here okay?’

  She nodded, ‘Perfect.’

  He waited for her to take a seat then sat at the opposite end, allowing enough space between them to keep her feeling comfortable and unpressured.

  He looked at her. When he tried to make eye contact, she pulled away. If she let him stare directly in her eyes, she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the answers she needed.

  In an even tone, she heard him ask, ‘Is there anything you want to know before I start?’

  She turned her head, being careful to avoid his gaze. ‘What really brought you here, because it wasn’t to ask me out on a date like you told me?’

  ‘No, it wasn’t. Though I can’t say I was unhappy with that outcome.’

  He grinned. Was he hoping it would lighten the mood? She crossed her arms against her chest, unimpressed.

  He sucked in a breath, then released it quickly, ‘I came to talk to you and your sisters about the possibility of taking on my case.’

  ‘Your case?’

  He cleared his throat. ‘A few years ago, my parents and baby sister were murdered. The killer has never been found.’

  A sharp pain, caused by a mixture of the common bond and sympathy for his loss, stabbed her chest. ‘I’m so sorry, Gabe.’

  ‘Thank you. I came to Cairns about six months ago for a work conference. That was when I spotted the newspaper article.’

  ‘The one I saw in that notebook?’

  ‘Yes, and it’s the only one I have, in case you’re wondering. I wasn’t stalking you. I put all the clippings related to the case in that notebook, just so it’s all together. It was for reference, so I remembered who you were when I got back to Perth. Not that you were easy to forget …’

  She looked down when he tried to make eye contact. ‘Okay, I believe you.’

  ‘But?’

  She glanced up, ‘But I’m still not understanding why you didn’t tell me that first day. You still lied to me.’

  ‘I was going to tell you. That’s why I took you out for coffee. But when I learned you were busy on another case, and you had issues with cases involving children, I thought it was best to wait until we got to know each other better. Your no-contact policy had me worried too.’